Alcala siblings Singapore Youth champs

Filipino ace Malvinne Ann Alcala continued to boost her stock in the international circuit as she retained the girls’ Under-17 singles title in the Li Ning Singapore Youth International Series in Singapore Sunday.

Showing poise beyond her years, the 16-year-old Alcala survived a gritty stand from Indonesian Florensia Setyana Daniella, 22-20, 21-17, to secure her second straight title.

Alcala’s younger brother, Markie, also made his presence felt by giving the country a second title in the tournament.

Markie pummeled Malaysia’s Sim Fong Hau, 21-11, 21-17, in the boys’ Under-13 singles event to underscore his worth as a future star in the sport.

Markie’s win capped a remarkable year for the Allied/Victor mainstay, who also ruled four events in the Philippine Badminton Ranking System recently.

Malvinne also had a banner year, winning two Open titles in the PBaRS circuit, aside from nailing three titles in the Ming Ramos Cup Victor Philippine Open.

She topped the singles, doubles (with Fatima Cruz) and mixed doubles (with Ronel Estanislao) at Club 650 and at the PSC Badminton Hall two weeks ago.

On the heels of the Alcalas’ triumphs, the Philippine Badminton Association is already lining up a series of local and international tournaments in 2012.

The Philippines was well-represented in the Singapore tournament with MSI Bulacan, Whackers Badminton Academy, Jaime Llanes Trainining Camp, Escoses Training Camp, Allied-Victor PCome, CDO Badminton Team and Team Prima also fielding players.

The Philippine contingent was headed by Vice President Jojo Binay and Gen. Federico Laciste Jr.

The meet lured players from Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Singapore, Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Australia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam.